🔗 Share this article

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.